lawrence’s stages of moral development

Stage 1

Obedience and punishment orientation: morality is based on avoiding punishment

Stage 2

Individualism and Exchange: Morality involves pursuing one’s own interests while respecting others’ interests.

A moral perspective characterized by the principle of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" is based on a retaliatory or retributive approach to justice

Stage 2

I will reciprocate because I anticipate receiving a reward or benefit in return.

'You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours'

A reciprocal arrangement where I help you if you help me

Stage 3

Good Interpersonal relationships: morality is defined by social approval, maintaining relationships, and conforming to societal expectations

Stage 4

Maintaining Social Order: Morality is about following laws and upholding social order

Stage 5

Social contract and individual rights: morality transcends individual perspectives and considers societal agreements and individual rights

Stage 6

Universal principles: morality is guided by universal ethical principles, even if they conflict with societal laws or rules

Stage 4

It is according to the law and rules

Stage 5

It will be for the common good

Stage 6

It is the good thing to do

Moral Maturity

therefore is seen in an agent who acts on what she has understood, using her full rationality, to be what is right, regardless of whether the act will bring the agent pleasure or pain and even regardless of whether the act is in accordance with one’s community’s laws or not